Fire Ants
Here in Orange County we have fire ants. This information is from the Orange
County Fire Ant Authority and is used by permission.
General Information
The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta is the
most recent of a growing number of pests introduced into Orange County. A native
of South America, the Fire Ant was first introduced in the southeastern United
States in 1930s. Since that time the ants have found their way across the south,
and into Southern California.
RIFA "mounds" are very distinctive and easily
recognized as a low mat of fine granular soil as much as 18 inches across. Fire
Ants commonly settle in turf and frequent mowing keeps ants from forming the
larger mounds typically found in the southeast.
The greatest threat posed by Fire Ants is their venomous
stings. The ants can sting repeatedly which results in a burning, itching
sensation that is followed by a raised pustule a few days later. The pustule can
last for up to two weeks. RIFA venom is relatively toxic, and potentially lethal
to pets, wildlife and sensitized humans. Because of the number and severity of
stings delivered by this aggressive species, residents should be aware of the
existence of this menace on their property and the potential hazards posed by
accidental contact. Fire Ants are also damaging to landscape material as well as
agricultural products. Electrical current is a strong attractant for Fire Ants
so irrigation controllers, air conditioners and outdoor lighting are all at
risk.
Description
RIFA are small ants that display a wide range of sizes within
a single colony. Individual ants can be from
1/8
to ¼ inch long. They have a shiny dark red head and
thorax with a dark brown abdomen. They posses a pair of toothed mandibles to
grasp the skin before they sting. Fire Ants have two nodes between the abdomen
and thorax. The tip of the antennae is a two-segmented club.
Control
The Orange County Fire Ant Authority (OCFAA) recommends that
citizens leave RIFA colonies undisturbed. A call to the Hotline
(1-888-4-FIREANT) will assure prompt, no-charge treatment, not just of the
resident’s home, but the entire neighborhood. Suspected infestations can also
be reported on our website: www.ocfireant.com. Improper treatment can
cause the infestation to spread and increase the effort required to achieve
eradication.
The OCFAA uses two baits to eliminate Fire Ants; our first
application is with a product containing hydramethylnon, a metabolic
inhibitor that results in starvation of the colony. The OCFAA also uses an
insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen that sterilizes the queen, ending
the reproduction and replacement of workers, until the colony slowly dies out
completely. Both products are safe for humans, pets, and the environment. These
products are slow acting, if ants are found indoors or if for some reason
citizens are unable to wait several days for results, they should call a
licensed pest control operator. Keep in mind a fast acting treatment will likely
prolong the infestation in exchange for temporary quick results. In the event a
pest control operator is called the OCFAA should still be notified so the
surrounding area can be treated to avoid re-infestation.
